Parker's Place

by Russ Willms, Russ Willms (Illustrator)

Overview

Parker the T. Rex tries to fit in on a friendly farm, even though there are no jobs that seem suitable for a dinosaur . . . it will take a lot of work—and a lot of laughs—before Parker can find his place in this sweet barnyard tale. A funny read-aloud that’s perfect for fans of We Don’t Eat Our Classmates and Tiny T. Rex.

In order to fit in at the farm, Parker has to pull his weight—but he can’t lay eggs or give milk. Maybe the farmer’s chores will be better suited to Parker’s strengths . . . if only he weren’t so big and clumsy! But might some farm animals know exactly where Parker’s place is?

This silly and sweet barnyard tale with a well-meaning dinosaur will have readers laughing and also considering what it means to belong.

• Perfect for animal lovers.
• A laugh-out-loud read-aloud.
• Delivers a sweet message about belonging.
• Bright, inviting, and funny artwork showcases Russ Willms’s masterful comic timing.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780358683391
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/01/2023
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,075,027
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Russ Willms has always had a passion for art and fun, and humour has been part of his own expression throughout his career. His work has been featured in hundreds of magazines, books and ad campaigns throughout the world, including two forthcoming picture books. 

Russ Willms has always had a passion for art and fun, and humour has been part of his own expression throughout his career. His work has been featured in hundreds of magazines, books and ad campaigns throughout the world, including two forthcoming picture books. 

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Parker's Place: "[An] amusing, sweet story. Young readers and listeners will happily find their place in the pages of this cute book. " — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Who Will Pull Santa's Sleigh?: "This imaginative origin story is a likely crowd pleaser for the preschool set. The illustrations have a fun meta energy perfect for interactive storytimes." — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Who Will Pull Santa's Sleigh?: "Via bright, cartoonlike illustrations, wordplay, and plentiful dialogue bubbles, Willms presents a comical origin story for Santa’s famous reindeer team.”  
— Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2023-05-24
Trying to fit in can be tricky.

When Parker, a blue T. rex, arrives at a farm, the alarmed chickens begin clucking. When the other animals come over, Parker tells them he’s always wanted to live on a farm and is eager to help. Parker’s no good at farm jobs, however. He can’t lay an egg, pull a wagon, give milk, catch a mouse or bugs, grow wool, or scare crows. He’s unable to handle the farmer’s chores either—milking cows, bathing pigs, feeding goats, gathering eggs, tending a garden, and plowing fields aren’t part of his skill set. A forlorn Parker is about to leave when the chickens propose a great idea. Parker at last finds his place on the farm—and it’s a perfect fit. Children will enjoy the satisfying ending of this amusing, sweet story and may want to suggest other farm jobs that would suit this dino to a T. Fitting in is something that concerns nearly all children, and youngsters will relate to Parker’s awkwardness and feel reassured that, after repeatedly trying his best, he finally succeeds. The colorful digital illustrations are energetic, and kids will giggle at Parker’s attempts to do various farm chores. Enhancing the visual humor is the use of larger boldfaced fonts for emphasis (“NOPE!” “NOT EVEN CLOSE!”). Parker and the animals are endearing and expressive. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Young readers and listeners will happily find their place in the pages of this cute book. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews